Should ‘Can’t Be Trusted’ Jared Kushner Be Stripped Of Security Clearance?

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By Dave Goldiner June 1, 2017

As Jared Kushner comes under increasing scrutiny in the explosive Russia probe of President Trump, a growing group of Democratic lawmakers want his security clearance revoked.

“He discussed opening a secret line of communications that could be monitored by Russian intelligence but not American intelligence, ,” Don Beyer (D-Virginia) said in a statement, according to Politico. “Jared Kushner cannot be trusted.”

More than 40 lawmakers joined the letter to the White House’s top lawyer.

Kushner failed to disclose meetings during the transition period with Russian officials and the head of a state-linked bank under U.S. sanctions on forms used to obtain the clearance.

He reportedly claims the discussions were part of a “back channel” to Russian strongman Vladimir Putin.

Whether that’s true or not, Democrats say he shouldn’t have access to the nation’s secrets if he is going to secretly spill them to foreign adversaries.

Beyer originially garnered just 4 signatories, including Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y) and newcomer Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland). But the push has gained momentum as more revelations emerge about Kushner’s questionable activities.

Dave Goldiner is the Forward’s director of digital media. Dave is a veteran journalist who has spent two decades working at newspapers in the United States and Africa. A native New Yorker, Goldiner wrote for the New York Daily News, where he covered some of the biggest stories of our time, including the attacks of September 11, along with thousands of stories of hope and heartbreak. He also studied and worked in Southern Africa and has written for publications in South Africa and Zimbabwe. He holds masters degrees in journalism and public administration from Columbia University. Dave can be reached at goldiner@forward.com, or follow him on Twitter @davegoldiner

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